Queenbees and Wannabees

Queen Bees & Wannabees: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends and the New Realities of Girl World by Rosalind Wiseman

Girls can be really mean. I remember this well from my own childhood. Unfortunately, for several years, I was one of those mean girls. As an adult it is hard to remember the reason for my behavior. I think I was just self-absorbed and didn't realize how my actions impacted others at that age. I wanted to be in control and I didn't know how to be diplomatic. I shudder to think of some of the things I said/did to other girls. Now, with my own daughter, I worry about how mean girls might affect her in the coming years.

Wiseman's book is a good read for parents of girls. I would say the pertinent age range is 10+. Since my daughter is only 8, I didn't feel like most of the book pertained to us.

While the information is good, you can clearly see where Wiseman inserts her personal beliefs and sometimes comes across as sanctimonious. Also, some of the advice seems overly simplistic.

Overall, I got some good information here. I need to re-read in a few years!

Getting Rid of Bradley

Getting Rid of Bradley by Jennifer Crusie

Jennifer Crusie is a favorite of mine for romantic comedies. She creates adorable characters that engage the character.

In "Getting Rid of Bradley" the plot is somewhat unbelievable but the characters and funny circumstances keep it light.

I recommend Crusie to anyone who enjoys light romance with strong characters and comedic value.

Plan B

Plan B by Jonathan Tropper

Jonathan Tropper earned a spot on my favorite author list with “This is Where I Leave You.” I started at the beginning of his career and this is his debut novel.

"Plan B" is good. It is sometimes a bit choppy, and I felt that some of the subplots could have been nixed, but overall I enjoyed it.

The theme of turning 30 resonated with me. Where are you in life, where are you going? That is a pivotal moment. 

 

Tropper has a true talent to show the reader the story. As I read, I can picture a movie with clear characters and scenes. Trooper has the ability to really draw strong scenes and complex characters. As a bonus, I vastly enjoy his sarcastic humor. 

Here is a quote from the book that resembles me: it is about Kurt Vonnegut (who I also adore) “When a visitor expressed surprise at his rather untidy office, he pointed to his head and said, ‘You think that’s messy, you should see what it’s like in here.” Those of you who have seen my desk at work or my "book area" at home...think of what's inside my brain!!!!

The Search

The Search by Iris Johansen

Loved "The Search"--the next installment of the Eve Duncan series. This book takes two characters that I really engaged with in the previous book and gives them their own story. I was so happy to see Logan and Sarah get their own story. Johanson never fails to give emotional depth and good suspense.

Great series!

Falling Leaves

Falling Leaves: The True Story of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter by Adeline Yen Mah

I liked this memoir. When I picked it out, I thought it would be about China's cultural issues with baby girls. That isn't what it is about. It's more a memoir of an unhappy childhood. It could be in any country, not just China. 

Yen Mah felt abused and unwanted by her family. I felt sad for her childhood. I wanted a happy ending for her, but I don't feel like it has a happy ending. I wished she could have broken away from the ties of her family in her adulthood, but she doesn't seem to have done that. The damage to her self-esteem has left her bitter and still a victim.

Loving Frank

Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

Beautifully written. I am not usually a fan of fiction based on real events, but I did enjoy this one.

People familiar with Frank Lloyd Wright know the premise of this story. He and Mamah Borthwick had an affair that effectively ended both of their marriages. This resulted in quite a scandal, as Wright was well-known and respected. Horan does an excellent job of portraying the emotions that could have been driving both of these people.

I could understand the emotions of falling in love with someone when you shouldn't. The part that I find so incomprehensible is when a Mother leaves her children, for any reason, but especially for a man. Mamah basically abandons her children to chase after a dream of being with Wright.

While I was familiar on the basics of the affair, I did not know how it ended. Horan describes this perfectly, playing upon the many emotions I was already feeling.

A good, dramatic book for the reader who enjoys historic fiction.

Make Your Own Rules

Make Your Own Rules: A Renegade Guide to Unconventional Success by Wayne Rogers

The title of this book intrigued me. I heartily dislike "rules." The title led me to believe the book would have creative ideas on being successful in business.

I was not familiar with Wayne Rogers. Apparently he was an actor on MASH? I think that is why he got a publisher to print this book. Obviously, he has also become successful as a businessman, but, he is not like the "ordinary" businessman. He started some advantages (money, fame, recognition, etc).

I did stay engaged through the book, but I would say it is more a memoir. Rogers talks mostly about his own successes and how he accomplished them. Although I enjoyed the anecdotes, it wasn't what I had expected.

The book was too long, could have kept the same content and been half the size. And the "advice" is not really "advice." 

I wouldn't recommend this to a reader looking for business insight. But if you liked MASH you might enjoy hearing about Rogers success after his acting career ended.